The global ready to eat food industry is experiencing robust growth. This is mainly due to increasing demand for convenience foods, rapid urbanization, and changing consumer preferences.
Ongoing innovations in RTE foods are also positively impacting the industry. Leading ready to eat food companies are constantly innovating to develop new varieties, including plant-based foods, to stay ahead of the competition.
In February 2025, Nestle India unveiled Munch Choco Fills, its new category of breakfast cereals. It is intended to make breakfast more exciting with its delightful combination of a chocolatey filling and a crunchy outer shell. The new products highlight Nestle’s commitment to bringing excitement and innovation to breakfast tables across India.
In December 2024, General Mills expanded its protein product portfolio with the launch of Cheerios Protein. It is a new protein cereal created to meet evolving needs of consumers, especially health-conscious ones.
There is a significant rise in consumers who prioritize protein. General Mills’ latest product is intended to address this growing protein demand. Cheerios Protein contains 8 grams of protein per serving and is available in two classic flavors, Strawberry and Cinnamon. It is crafted for people looking for a delicious, accessible breakfast option that delivers a good protein source.
In July 2024, General Mills Foodservice launched new ready-to-eat muffins for school feeding programs. New RTE products, including Trix and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, are the latest additions to the company’s robust lineup of individually wrapped breakfast items.
In June 2024, Conagra Brands introduced a new line-up of innovative RTE products to meet evolving consumer preferences. The novel offerings, consisting of single-serve and multi-serve frozen vegetables, frozen meals, and snacks, are built on the company’s impressive portfolio of industry-leading brands.
These recent developments showcase the industry’s commitment to continuous innovation in RTE category. New product launches, like that of Nestle’s Munch Choco Fills and General Mills’ Cheerios Protein, will help companies cater to shifting consumer demands for healthier, more convenient, and more diverse food options.
Expansion of protein-rich cereals and RTE snacks highlights how key players are responding to trends like increased protein consumption and the need for on-the-go meal solutions. Many companies are also embracing sustainable practices to succeed in the RTE food sector.
Development of innovative products like plant-based RTE foods and frozen options will play a key role in boosting the industry’s growth. According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the global ready to eat food industry size is projected to total US$ 312.24 billion by 2032. Global demand for ready to eat food products will likely grow at 7.7% CAGR during the assessment period.
Sources:
Companies: General Mills, Conagra Brands, Nestle India
